Final week

We're into our last week here in Ukraine. We've moved into the pastor's apartment so ours can be used for a team from Sweden who are on a short missions trip. I killed my first ever cockroach last week (all part of the missionary training). Slightly milder weather (still hot) with occasional thunder storms (very brief).

We got moved on again when doing the outreach (free Tea&Coffee). Different type of policemen this time so it's probable there has been a policy change. Had another couple of drugged-up people at the new location. They weren't disruptive, but we just had to be aware and careful in handling them (good training!).

Henrik (pastor) almost got hit by a lorry, which then hit Christina's suitcase breaking it. Thank God for His protection over us. The driver just didn't see, I think.

Please pray for:

Swedish teenagers on an 11-day missions trip. Please pray for God's protection over them and that they'll learn loads about Him and His heart for them and others. Pray for us as we lead meetings for them and take them to the 'orphanages'. Doing several out-reaches this week.

Saying goodbye to people here, particularly the non-Christians who come to the various meetings and clubs. Please pray for opportunities to pray for people and talk about Christ.

Us. Feeling like we're coming to the end of ourselves on personal issues we're struggling with. Please pray that we will allow God to make full use of this time to do His work in us. Pray for us to be healed and set free.

Skirmishes

The prayer day went well. Usual mix of reactions to the meditation; those who can't picture anything and aren't sure what to do with it, those who thought it would be helpful with some practise, and those who really doing liked it.

We had a really good example of the need to pray for protection the last time we gave out free tea & coffee on the street. Right at the end of a really successful time, one drugged-up guy turned up and almost caused some disruption, and then some police turned up saying we should have a permit to 'sell' stuff on this street. (The police had always been OK with it before, we're sure a permit is not required for giving away free things – the police here aren't as consistent as in UK).

Please pray for:

Outreach this Saturday (2nd June) – giving out free Tea & Coffee (& flowers ?!). Pray for God to send along people who want to hear about Him and for protection from the enemy's attempts to frustrate this.

English Club: We are making good contacts via the English club. I'm finding that I'm gradually getting more opportunities to say something about following Christ to people. Some come just for the English and then start asking more why we're here and what we believe.

Me: Still, looking forward to going back to UK. Had a really good weekend away on the beach and God 'spoke' to me about something I've been struggling with. Feeling more on top of it now and inspired to seek God to change me so I can deal with it. Please pray that I continue to grow in this area (to do with standing up against evil Christ's way) and that I'm able to make the most of the opportunities to talk about Christ. Really looking forward to going to St Stephen's Uni in Canada now (decision made!).

From Christina: Wanting to stay out here! Pray for guidance and peace concerning what comes next. Also, to experience more of God's love and care and be able to trust Him more.

Future thoughts from Dan

Hello, this is Dan,
I have been praying for a suitable job for when I return to Washington this summer. I do not want to return to my previous job (El Gaucho, a restaurant in Seattle). I spent the last three years working there, and found it to be a very well paying, but extremely difficult and stressful environment. When I left the restaurant, I felt that I might one day return, but as the months have been moving on, and I have been in this discipleship course, I feel very strongly that the restaurant business would not be a good environment to return to.
The money factor and a healthy living environment are the main things that I would like prayer for. Also please pray that I can really trust in God, and will be able to listen to Him, and do what He wants me to do when I return home.
Thank you,
Dan.